12×12 Art Fundraiser

The 12×12 Art Fundraiser raises funds for all of OVAC’s programs, making Oklahoma a place where visual artists thrive and contribute fully to their communities.

This year as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we strongly encourage our artists to support OVAC’s mission and join as members. Membership provides artists with a virtual gallery page on OVAC’s online Artist Gallery, a subscription to ArtFocus Oklahoma, access to our exclusive Members Only Facebook Group, first opportunity to sign up for ASK programs, discounts to partner organizations’ services, and many other benefits for artists.

The 12×12 fuses 175 of Oklahoma’s finest artists with local restaurants and live music to create a memorable one-night-only event.

For 12×12, each artist must create a work that conforms to the dimensions of twelve-by-twelve inches. The artwork is sold in a surprising silent and blind auction, meaning bidders will not know what others have bid. Bids for each piece begin at $175. Collectors who fear losing a piece of art in the auction may “Buy It Now” to trump the auction. Attendees may also purchase $5 chances to win prize packages!

12×12 artists are selected by a volunteer 12×12 Art Committee in the early summer. Artists who sell in the previous year are automatically invited back. The number of new artist invitations is determined by how many artists did and did not sell in the previous year, and whether or not the committee believes we can accommodate an increase in number of total artworks (based on venue size). In 2015, we were very proud to increase the number of artists served from 150 to 175, which opened up more new invitations.

New artists are voted on by committee members. As it is OVAC’s only annual fundraiser, the selection process is highly competitive. The 12×12 committee strives to represent a wide variety of artists statewide in this exhibition, keeping in tune with OVAC’s mission.

The committee often refers to the OVAC online gallery for potential artists. We encourage those interested in 12×12 to join as OVAC Members and put artwork up on the virtual gallery for potential consideration by our committee. However, OVAC membership and online gallery presence is not a requirement for 12×12 artists. If you are interested in being considered for participation in 12×12 or have suggestions for the committee, please email sterling@ovac-ok.org.

Dhlvang, BryanBryan Dahlvang, Oklahoma City, “So I Sez to Him, I Sez - You Can Be Anything You Want To Be,” oil, Minimum Bid: $175, Buy it Now: $413
Note: Art sales begin when the event opens on September 11.